Max Allan Collins (born March 3, 1948) is an American mystery writer, noted for his graphic novels.

[citation needed] He wrote the Dick Tracy newspaper strip for many years and has produced numerous novels featuring the character as well.

[2] Collins briefly wrote the Batman comic book in 1987 and crafted a new origin for the Jason Todd character.

[3] Collins and artist Terry Beatty created Wild Dog at DC that same year in a self-titled limited series.

[12] In 2021, he and Canadian actor/writer Dave Thomas teamed to write the sci-fi mystery novel The Many Lives of Jimmy Leighton.

[16][17] Ten years later, in 2018, Collins was again inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band Cruisin'.

He maintains his own code of honor, and rationalizes his crimes by taking contracts to kill people who he believes brought about their own demise and will eventually be murdered by one enemy or another (e.g., corrupt politicians, mobsters, exploitative businessmen, drug traffickers).

Written by Michael D. Fuller and Graham Gordy based loosely on the book series, the project centers on a Marine marksman who, upon returning home from Vietnam in 1972, finds himself shunned by those he loves and demonized by the public.

[24] This series features a professional thief, similar to and apparently inspired by Richard Stark's "Parker" character, who operates in the Midwest.

His 1999 novel Flying Blind sees Heller investigate the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, along the way becoming romantically involved with her.

This series of novels is about real life Untouchable Eliot Ness's career as Director of Public Safety in Cleveland.